Published October 2025
The Malinauskas Labor Government is yet to introduce “tough new laws to crackdown on copper theft” – despite promising to do so in February. Nine months later, and with likely just nine sitting days remaining before the 2026 State Election, Labor has still not introduced the legislation, leaving builders, businesses and households continuing to suffer financial losses as copper theft runs rampant. Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Police and Correctional Services, Jack Batty said law and order was always in the go-slow lane under Labor. “This delay proves that Labor is all lip service with no substance, chasing headlines without delivering much-needed reforms to crackdown on this costly crime,” Mr Batty said. “Copper theft is an expensive and dangerous problem – and Labor should be committed to making it harder for criminals. “This has been a very costly delay, with copper theft leaving major builders more than $100,000 out of pocket every year. It is expensive not only to replace the cables but also to repair the damage caused. “Labor dragging its feet on this is yet another blow to housing affordability, with extra costs inevitably passed on to consumers. "These sort of crimes also often cause delays to homeowners being able to move into their properties. “It is also just plain dangerous. Potentially live wires pose a serious safety risk for construction worker and the general public. “We shouldn’t have to wait for a death or serious injury before we take action on this issue. “Labor – and its constantly rotating cast of police ministers - seem to have forgotten that it promised to introduce this legislation and that is not good enough.” Media Contact: Hayley McDonald 0408 100 373 |
